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Rail journey · Vintage Rail Journeys · 4 nights

Golden West Vintage Rail Tour

  • Riverboat Postman lunch cruise on the Hawkesbury River included
  • Choice of Hunter Valley wineries with tastings and lunch included
  • Guided visit to Abercrombie House, a Bathurst heritage treasure
From
$3,990 pp twin share
$4,290 pp solo share
4 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

11 departures

  1. Mon 26 Oct 2026 → Fri 30 Oct 2026 4 nights · Sydney Rail $3,990 from $3,990 pp twin share Select
  2. Mon 9 Nov 2026 → Fri 13 Nov 2026 4 nights · Sydney Rail $3,990 from $3,990 pp twin share Select
  3. Mon 23 Nov 2026 → Fri 27 Nov 2026 4 nights · Sydney Rail $3,990 from $3,990 pp twin share Enquire
  4. Mon 2 Aug 2027 → Fri 6 Aug 2027 4 nights · Sydney Rail $4,090 from $4,090 pp twin share Select
  5. Mon 16 Aug 2027 → Fri 20 Aug 2027 4 nights · Sydney Rail $4,090 from $4,090 pp twin share Select
Departs Mon 23 Nov 2026 Returns Fri 27 Nov 2026
Duration4 nights
OperatorVintage Rail Journeys
StyleRail journey
Rediscover the golden age of train travel. Enjoy a rare opportunity to traverse special access train lines across the Liverpool Plains. Curated Off Train Experiences, all-inclusive dining and the nostalgia of slow…

Step aboard a unique rail adventure aboard the Southern Aurora, the iconic overnight passenger train that once connected Sydney and Melbourne from 1962 to 1986. Today, its original 1960s carriages have been meticulously restored, offering travellers the chance to rediscover the golden age of train travel through curated daytime journeys across New South Wales. With the train stationary overnight, you can enjoy peaceful rest before waking to explore charming regional towns, stunning landscapes, and the heritage-rich heart of Australia.

Embark on Vintage Rail Journeys' original and most beloved rail tour, where breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences await. Begin and end your journey surrounded by the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Great Dividing Range. Savor the delights of the Hunter Valley and Orange, renowned for their vineyards, and enjoy a rare opportunity to traverse special access train lines across the Liverpool Plains from Werris Creek to Orange. The highlight of the journey is the stunning scenery of the Capertee Valley as you make your way to Rylstone.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable travel experience, these vintage rail tours promise a truly timeless escape.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Sydney, Hawkesbury River and Paterson

    Begin your Golden West adventure at Sydney's Central Station. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Hawkesbury River aboard the famous Riverboat Postman, including lunch, before returning to the train. Continue through Brisbane Water and the Hunter Valley, enjoying dinner on board before the train is stabled overnight at Paterson.
    Vintage Rail JourneyLD
  2. 2

    Hunter Valley and Werris Creek

    Explore the renowned Hunter Valley with a choice of Off Train Experiences. Enjoy lunch and wine at Twine Restaurant or visit Margan Wines for a behind-the-scenes winery experience, wine tasting and lunch. Reboard the train and travel through the Hunter Valley and Ardglen Tunnel towards Werris Creek.
    Vintage Rail JourneyBLD
  3. 3

    Quirindi and Merrygoen

    Travel through the Liverpool Plains to Quirindi, where you'll visit the Rural Heritage Village and discover the region's pioneering history. Return to the train and continue along a rarely travelled freight line through the rural landscapes towards Merrygoen, enjoying dinner on board.
    Vintage Rail JourneyBLD
  4. 4

    Gulgong, Mudgee and Orange

    Step off at Gulgong and travel by coach to Mudgee for a visit to Lowe Family Wine Co. Enjoy a wine experience and lunch before returning to the train. Relax with dinner on board as the journey continues towards Orange.
    Vintage Rail JourneyBLD
  5. 5

    Orange, Bathurst and Sydney

    Enjoy breakfast on board before arriving in Bathurst. Visit the magnificent Abercrombie House, including a guided tour and lunch, before returning to the train. Relax as you travel through the scenic western ranges and arrive at Sydney's Central Station in the evening.
    BL
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Highlights & Inclusions

  • All-inclusive dining, wines, beverages, tea & coffee
  • throughout your journey
  • Take a Riverboat cruise on the Hawkesbury River
  • including lunch
  • Enjoy a winery experience in the Hunter Valley
  • Visit the quaint heritage village of Quirindi in rural New
  • South Wales
  • Discover Bathurst’s Abercrombie House

Not included

  • Travel insurance
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Heritage Twin Cabins are designed to accommodate two guests, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. During the day, the space transforms into a cosy three-seat lounge, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the passing scenery. At night, it converts into upper and lower bunk beds, with one guest needing to be able to climb a ladder to access the top bunk. Each cabin also features a private ensuite, complete with original 1960s fittings, including a fold-down hand basin and fold-down toilet, preserving the charm of vintage rail travel.

Heritage Single Cabins offer a comfortable and private space for solo travellers, featuring a day lounge with a footrest, a fold-down washbasin, and a mirror for convenience. As evening falls, the cabin transforms into a cosy bed, providing a restful retreat after a day of exploration. Guests in Single Cabins also have access to spacious shared bathrooms located at either end of the carriage, blending vintage charm with thoughtful amenities.

Lounge Carriage - the social heart of the train, invites you to unwind and connect with fellow travellers in a relaxed, welcoming setting. With all-inclusive travel, you can enjoy a selection of Australian wines and beers, as well as unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices - all served as you sit back and take in the journey.

Dining Carriage - step into the original ex-Southern Aurora Dining Carriage, where the onboard chef serves hearty, delicious meals crafted with care and inspired by local flavours. Complement your meal with a selection of Australian wines, beers, and other beverages - all included in your fare.

Heritage Twin Cabin
Heritage Twin Cabin
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

Commences: Central Station, Sydney

9:30 am Monday

Concludes: Central Station, Sydney

8:00 pm Friday

Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

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Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $3,990 pp
From (solo) $4,290 pp
Enquire